Farm Bill Veto and Override Vote Expected This Week

Statement

Farm Bill Veto and Override Vote Expected This Week

I am pleased to report that the 2008 Farm Bill is on its way to President Bush's desk. Despite President Bush's statement that he plans to veto the bill, both the House and Senate passed the legislation last week with enough votes to override a veto. Depending on the timing of the veto, final actions on the Farm Bill could be completed this week.

The House passed the Farm Bill by a vote of 318-106, and the Senate approved it by a vote of 85-12. These margins clearly provide the required 2/3 majority to override a Presidential veto.

Time For A New Energy Policy: YES

A sound and reliable energy policy for America has been one of my top priorities in Congress. As of today, gas prices hit a record high for the 12th day in a row. While I am frustrated with the continual gridlock and lack of forward thinking solutions by the Speaker and the majority, I will continue to press on and deliver a message about energy policy: my message is yes.

Yes, we can drill for oil within our own nation, such as in Alaska and off the outer continental shelf. Yes, we can use America's 200 year supply of coal for technologies such as coal-to-liquid energy and clean coal technology. Yes, we can build more nuclear plants and more oil and gas refineries to increase production. And yes, we should invest in renewable and alternative energies, such as wind, solar and biofuels.

It is time that we understand the ramifications if we fail to move forward on becoming energy independent. This growing energy crisis is affecting every facet of American life. First, and most importantly, this is a national security issue. Our government must not be handcuffed by environmentalists who do not understand that domestic exploration can be done with 21st century technology in an environmentally sensitive way.

If we do not act, we will continue to see the cost of energy rise. These record prices have already had a ripple effect throughout our entire economy, and inaction will only make this problem worse. Already, Americans are changing their summer travel plans due record high gas prices.

In addition to gas prices, the rising national average of diesel fuel is $4.33. Energy costs have a direct correlation to food costs. When farming a large farm, such as those in West Texas, the overhead costs of fueling the machines, as well as the cost of fertilizer and transportation of goods, becomes increasingly higher, driving food costs up.

America cannot continue down this path. We cannot rely exclusively on renewable energy as long as the means of transportation we use every day are still dependent on traditional fossil fuels. So the question is, do we continue to turn our heads and watch prices soar, changing the daily lives of Americans and putting our national security at risk? Or do we recognize that there is a crisis, and begin to start producing more energy at home? My answer is YES. We have the tools, the resources and the technology to produce more energy and reduce energy prices.

Recognizing Armed Forces Day

This past Saturday, I was pleased to participate in the Armed Forces Day recognition ceremony in Abilene. Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity to salute our armed forces personnel and thank them for the sacrifices they are making on behalf of a grateful nation, especially the long hours they spend separated from their family and friends.

The Abilene Zoo hosted the event and showed the wonderful commitment of the community to our brave men and women at Dyess AFB. It was an honor to present a flag flown over the United States Capitol and to recognize all those who answered the call of duty in the past, as well as those serving our country today.

President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department, the Department of Defense.

100% Conservative Rating By The American Conservative Union

The American Conservative Union, the oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization in America, recently released their rankings and I was honored to receive a perfect 100% score. This recognition is based on my voting record in 2007 and I am pleased to see that organizations are noticing the conservative values I bring to Congress.

My top priority as your representative is to represent you accurately. I have promised you a conservative voice in Congress and this award reaffirms my commitment to continue to stand on principle and values and do the job you have sent me to do.

To learn more about the American Conservative Union and their rating system, please visit, www.acuratings.org

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